Health Lessons from the Golden Globes

Health Lessons from the Golden Globes - Related Image

Did you know that underneath the glitter and glamour of the
Golden Globes were a few health messages that are worth taking note?

How can characters and scripts from movies and television - media which are very much a part of our lives – teach us to
better respond to situations in life?

LAUGHTER: The show was co-hosted by 2 of the funniest
ladies in show-biz – Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. Their opening skit, which poked
fun at the nominees, produced gales of laughter.

And laughter, according to quite a bit of research, is good
medicine! Researchers at the University of Maryland
School of Medicine in Baltimore have studied the positive effects of laughter
on cardiovascular health.Studies show
that laughter boosts your immune system, lowers levels of stress and anxiety
and lifts you out of depression. Hard to be down and stressed when having a
good chuckle! Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even
simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better .

MENTAL ILLNESS:Two of the “best picture” nominees focused on
struggles with mental health. Both shows challenge and inspire the viewer to
keep an open mind when people disclose their mental challenges.The recent tragic shootings in the US have
brought the treatment of mental illness to the forefront of the media.Although movies may stray to the romantic and
sentimental when portraying these health issues, they can help to de-stigmatize
them, making it more acceptable to seek and find help. And, as is often the
case in real life, it’s the meaningful relationships people build when seeking
help – or giving to others – that bring about healing.

Another nominee, the ‘Life of Pi’, about floating
in a boat in the middle of an ocean with a tiger for a companion, inspired us
to not be overcome with stress and despair, but to maintain a sense of balance
and never give up hope.Another boost
for improving mental health.

AGING: The British retirees in ‘The Best Marigold
Hotel” (nominated for Best Motion Picture) proved that retiring does not have
to be the end of a productive life.Despite
mishaps, financial and other tragedies that land each of them in India, new
friendships, profound character changes (for the better) and loving
relationships are forged in a country that is both exotic and exciting.This mirrors what researchers have found: social
relationships can boost survival odds by as much as 50 percent.

The US Census data on 62,000 Centenarians finds the
common thread is their remarkable ability to adapt to change – they don’t sweat
the small stuff but take things on, embrace life and move forward.Much like the rag-tag group of characters portrayed in ‘The
Best Marigold Hotel’.

The personal struggles and successes of the characters in these movies and the tough issues they tackle
can inspire us re-think a current health problem - whether it be depression or
limits resulting from age.

And, how we think – or rethink - something is
crucial to our experience. I find a
great source that helps me to find joy, mental balance and youthful energy – is
a regular awareness of the Divine in my life.To take an idea from an age-old script – the Bible –

“…whatever is true,
whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever
is gracious, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 RSV).

Perhaps the lessons from these movies -
acknowledged as best performances and portrayals - can help us to ‘think on
these things’ and find better ways to take a healthier approach to living.